The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1887-03-26
WARTIME COTTON PLANTING.

locality and dramatis persona i;
will prove of interest to our read
ers. Though Col. Matt johnson
makes a better story of it than
"Bill O'Lading;" who has not i'm
proved on Judge Dents eseapade
by inaccuracies and omissions:
In the early months of 1864
Judge Dent began his planting
venture, and sanguine as a school
boy he entertained everyone with
a full prospectus of his plans,
sandwiched by frequent portions
of old port or mellow sherry. He
spoke with enthusiasm of ''my
plantation,n and doubtless dream
ed nightly of the great wealth in
store.
One evening as the genial Judge
had finished his supper, lighted
his Havana and was pacing up
and down the spacious veranda, a
stranger walked up to the man.
sion, and, lifting his hat with a
polite bow inquired ii Judge Dent
was at bone.
"Certainly, sir, | am the gentle
man. Walk in and be seated.
What can | do for you r. respond. q.
ed the Judge.
81 am looking for a plantation
and would like to obtain some in.
formation from you,n continued
the visitor.
With the greatest pleasure |
will give you any information |
can. You understand these plan.
tations are under government
lease in accordance with an act of
Congress. The government guar.
antees protection. l have leased
this fine property, and as | am
brother in law of Gen. Grant |
have no fears but my interest will
be well guarded. Who do these
lands belong to? Why they are
owned by Col. Mat Johnson of the
rebel army. Oh, no, sir, l do not
apprehend any danger from him.
He would hardly venture to come
so near the fort. Here is a brigade
stationed, aud besides | have n
number of armed men on the
premises" said the Judge.
81 notice that you have spared
no expense in making yourself
comfortable. Did you bring those
large paintings with you and this
library and handsome furniture y
mildly inquired the stranger.
"Oh, no, sir, brought nothing
here whatever, my mules and
horses were turned over to me BY
the quartermaster of the army
captured, you know-and have
obtained stores through govern
ment aid. This extensive library
and other household property
found here. They were left by
Col. Johnston. That large por
trait represents Judge Morgan,
am told, who was in his day the
richest cotton planter in Lou
isiana.p
"Well,n said the stranger, "this
seems to be a free and easy sys
tenn. Does the government lease
to you the personal property
alsoW
"Well, as to that" said the
Judge, "the government has con
tlscated all the personal property
as well as landed estates belong
ing to the rebels, and hence 1t does
not really belong to them now
Why, you know the old maxim,
possession is nine points OF
law.W
"Well, Judge Dent, | thought
seriously of trying a plantation
myself, but this system is contrary
to my code of morals. Would you
feel easier at heart If you had a
lease from the owner alsofp
"Ah, wei, my good Sir, you must
not forget that these are war times
and all things are fair in war;
"Perbaps that is true, Judge. !
must examine the workings of tins
lease system more fully, and |
shall be pleased to confer with
you again on this subject"
"Yes, yes, call again, whenever |
can be of service to you. Remem
ber my latch.string always hangs
outward, and you will be always
welcome.D
"Thank you, Judge" and with a
bow the grateful visitor walked
away into the darkness.
Judge Dent shortly after re.
tired, having partaken of his
"night cap' of Robinson county,
but the words of the polite stran'
ger kept running throogh his
thoughts and troubled his con
science, for he was far from being
an unjust man.
Sleep put an end to his refiec
tions, and dreams of fortunes
favors chased away the ugly pban
toms of self accusation. The
bours sped by, and the premlsel
were wrapped in the deep silence
of repose, when shortly past mid
night the Judge was aroused b.
the tramp of horses feet and th,
sharp voice of command, Halt !
He jumped from his bed as th
jingling spurs and rafting sabre
sounded on the veranda followe'
J by a loud knock at the door.
! The Judge quickly struck
> light and opened the door, whe
in walked an officer in gray un
form decorated in gold lace.
$ "Judge Dent, pardon me for thi
l unseemly call, but as you so kinC
!. ~ invited me | have come agai
and brought some friends wit
me. l am Matt johnson, Colont
of Confederate Cavalry, at you
service, sir. Please dress YOU
self as expeditlously as possible a
| wish you to take o ride with mt
Won havo nothino In faar I hay